New York appeals judge rules to let Trump control his businesses, declines to halt civil fraud trial

Former President Donald Trump was handed a win when a New York appeals judge ruled on Friday that Trump is allowed to control his businesses as of now, but the judge declined to pause his civil fraud trial. 

The former president's attorneys requested a delay in New York Attorney General Letitia James' fraud case against him. 

James is seeking $250 million in damages and an order barring Trump from doing business in New York. Trump, for his part, considers the case a political attack and part of a broader witch hunt designed to derail his 2024 White House bid.

In late September, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump was responsible for defrauding banks and insurers by inflating the value of his properties, which would have secured benefits such as better loan terms and cheaper insurance. 

The appeals judge ruled on Friday that Trump could remain in control of his businesses and not have a court-appointed receiver take charge of his properties. However, his civil fraud trial has not been delayed. 

The Trump Organization thanked the appellate court in a statement. 

"Judge Engoron's order erroneously sought to adjudicate the rights of non-party business entities that employ nearly 1,000 hard-working New Yorkers, have never been accused of any wrongdoing and were never given their day in court – in clear violation of their fundamental Constitutional rights and Due Process," the statement said, according to The Daily Mail. 

"We will continue to vigorously defend our company and our incredible employees from this gross overreach and politically-motivated persecution," it continued.